I've downloaded a some freeware scenery today (Kashmir and Nepal areas), which come with instructions that are quite clear - specifically, to backup & replace some fs9 .bgl files in the sceneryasiascenery sub-directory with new .bgl files that update some elevation information needed for the new freeware scenery/airports to work correctly.My question is whether I could simply create a new scenery area (e.g., Addon SceneryKashmir_Nepal_fixscenery), then copy the updated .bgl's to that new directory, and use "Add area" in the fs9. I'd make sure I put the new scenery in highest priority (top of the list, which is lowest in numerical order). The reason for this is that I would prefer, if possible, to avoid corrupting my default fs9 files in any way.Would this work or is there some reason that physically replacing the default .bgl's is preferable?

I don't think the package as it stands will work properly if you install in the way you are asking. I would make a folder that clearly marks the backed up files, put it in a safe place where FS cannot read the removed bgl's and then install as instructed. If you find you don't like the new scenery just reinstall the removed files after uninstalling.

Just re-name the specified files by adding .BAK for example, to the end of the current name. No need to move them anywhere.....they'll still be there after you've added the add-on scenery files. Then you can carry out your plan with the add-on scenery as you've suggested.If and when you decide to go back to the default scenery, remove the add-on folders/files and simply re-name the originals again without the .BAK on the end.

To answer Q 1, there is no way to "unflatten" the scenery that is installed in the default "regional" folders with filenames HP9xxyy0.bgl and FL9xxyy0.bgl. Hence the need to back these files up in some fashion.scott s..

Scott S. wrote ->To answer Q 1, there is no way to "unflatten" the scenery>that is installed in the default "regional" folders with>filenames HP9xxyy0.bgl and FL9xxyy0.bgl. Hence the need to>back these files up in some fashion.I was suspecting that. Thanks for the info!